Packaged Products - How To: Concrete Pathways

Open up your garden by eliminating those bare wet areas with a solid, long lasting pathway.

You Will Need:

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concrete mix

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shovel

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spade

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wheelbarrow

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screed board

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wooden float

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timber formwork

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garden hose

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steel trowel

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edging tool

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wooden pegs

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nails and hammer

Concrete Mix

Creating the shape of your pathway is the first critical step.
Plan your pathway by using a brickies string line tied to wooden pegs for straight paths, or a garden hose to create curved paths.

Next prepare your pathway by removing grass and excavating, to a minimum depth of 125mm. If the pathway is close to your dwelling, allow a slight fall so water can run away.

Fix timber formwork to wooden pegs at regular intervals with the pegs situated on the outside and lower than the timber. The formwork, is the final height and shape of your pathway.
Appropriate steel reinforcement mesh may be required.

On an uneven or clay base, place a 50mm layer of sand or road base to form an even bedding for concrete. This will also reduce the likelihood of cracking as the concrete has a firm base on which to rest.

Mix and place Concrete within the formwork, spreading and compacting as you go. Level concrete by using a smooth straight piece of timber, pulling back along the formwork with
a side to side sawing action with the leading edge slightly raised. Lightly tap formwork edges on the outside with a
hammer to vibrate concrete in against formwork.

Wait until concrete is firm to touch before finishing off the surface with a wooden float for a non-slip finish, or a steel trowel for a smooth finish. Edges should be finished off using a steel edging tool to round the edges, which also reduces chipping and provides the final professional finish.

Do not walk on concrete for 24 hours.

For the next seven days keep the concrete moist. This is known as curing and assists the concrete to reach its designed strength and durability.